Palm Trees

Palm trees are often associated with the tropics. Images of banana bearing trees come readily to mind, swaying in the breeze under a hot sun. But it's also true that there are many palms that tolerate cold very well. That adaptability, along with their attractive appearance and easy care, make palm trees an excellent houseplant.

King Palms make for excellent shade providers and we often associate that with the outdoors. But they can provide beauty and a useful function by providing shade near a window for other, smaller plants. Direct sunlight through glass can produce very high temperatures. Moderating that with a King Palm allows you to place many plants near the window without risk. But, King Palms can grow very tall, so expect to have to move them outdoors after a few years.

Majesty Palms might be a better choice, since they grow slower, reaching about 10 feet in 10 years. Queen Palms will generally grow too fast, reaching 25 feet (when placed outdoors, of course) in as little as seven years.

For those who want a palm but live in a colder climate, there are many choices. Among the hundreds of species of palm tree, there are dozens that tolerate low temperatures well. Date Palms are hardy down to 18F (-8C), as are Texas Sabal Palms and Canary Island Date Palms. Windmill Palms will tolerate even colder temperatures, down to as low as five degrees Fahrenheit.

None of those temperatures, of course, are typically found inside the house. (We hope!) But houseplants aren't just inside the house. They're often grown in containers that sit just outside the front door and are the same species that might be found actually inside the house. An enclosed porch can also be considered as a great location for a good palm.

As with any houseplant or tree, soil type and care is paramount. Adding a beneficial fungus such as mycorrhizal fungi will help keep your plant healthy. In addition, palm trees require a somewhat different fertilizer from most other houseplants.

You'll need a slow-release fertilizer with NPK ratios that are tailored for this unique plant. A 3-1-3 or 15-5-15 fertilizer is ideal. Either in the same mixture or as an add-on be sure to feed the right amount of magnesium and calcium to your palm tree, too. Manganese is another essential element. These so-called micro-elements are fed in smaller quantities but are still important for palm tree health.

Salt buildup can be a problem with palm trees, but the cure is simple. Just flush with water every hour for a few iterations, measuring the salt content with a soil testing kit until you have the right level.

Palm trees, as you might expect, can thrive on very little water much of the time and their watering schedule is quite different. Just think of what the tropics are like. Very hot, dry conditions for long periods, followed by monsoons.

As with any houseplant, make sure the pot is large enough to avoid root bound conditions and that there is good drainage. Make sure you get one physically large and heavy enough to support these larger plants.